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ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 



OF THE 



I/' 

ASSOCmiON FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE. 



CINCINNATI, OHIO. 




0<^*J^A^it^S^>^ 



CINCINNATI : 

PRINTED BY JOHN WHITE, 
Northeast corner of Fourth and Sycamore streets- 

1 847. 



^ 



^^ 



Lafayette, Ikdiana^ April 27, 1847. 

Messrs. Wendell, Wright, and others, — 

Gentlemen: — I have perused with much pleasure your plaii 
for an Association for Practical Science. It meet^ cordial 
approbation. If the project can be carried ir j execution, 
the advantages will assuredly commend it to every liberal 
and philanthropic mind. 

The meritorious inventor will, by your fostering care, be 
aided in perfecting his designs, while the Utopian theorist 
is admonished against further expenditures on his visionary 
suheme; nor do I doubt that the stock of the company will ^ 
afford a satisfactory remuneration for capital invested. 

You will find, no doubt, many ready to join you, should 
capital or influence be needed. I ardently wish you success. 



'4 



uapiLtii ur iniiucnuc; uc iicuucu. jl txiuciiuj wi&ii ^^y-i. success. ^ h 

At an early moment, I will submit some suggestions in re- Jl \ 

gard to further details of business, which may interest those I 

associated in this most praiseworthy undertaking. 

I am, most respectfull}^ yours, 

HENRY L. ELLSWORTH. 



PREFACE. 



Many discoveries of great moment, which might have been 
secured to mankind by a timely and liberal co-operation, have 
perished with their authors, who, though possessed of the ele- 
ments of independence to themselves and blessings to mil- 
lions, have, generally, been the victims of indigence and neg- 
lect. Some of the most valuable inventions now in use, 
narrowly escaped the oblivion that has befallen so many. 
Even the powers of Steam earned for their discoverer noth- 
ing but ridicule, and nearly a century elapsed ere his sug- 
gestions were carried into practical operation; and the origin- 
ators of the art of printing were branded as sorcerers. These 
are, by no means, isolated instances: the history both of our 
own, and past times, is full of such. To remedy these and 
their contingent evils, is the intent of the Institution which is 
made the subject of this pamphlet. 

To inventors it will extend such counsel, assistance, and 
co-operation, as will enable them to realize their designs, 
and secure to themselves much larger revenues than could 
be efiected by their unassisted efibrts. Experienced invent- 
ors cannot fail to appreciate the advantages of the ample 
mechanical appliances by which their apparatus will not 
only be got up in good order, but with great expedition, and 
at once disseminated over the country. Moreover, they wdll 
have abundant opportunity of carrying forward several de- 
signs simultaneously. 

To capitalists, this institution offers — as is conceived — 
a prospect of large and sure returns for investments. This 
opinion is based upon the following view of the case, which 
is believed to be a correct one: The inventions, selected, as 
they will be, from among many, by men of science and prac- 
tical experience, will, at all events, have every reasonable 
guarantee of practicability and excellence, and will, it is an- 
ticipated, in a large majorit}^ of cases, be profitable — but on 
a reverse supposition — one or two such inventions as might 
be enumerated would suffice not only to cover all expenses, 
but not yield a ample dividend. 



OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 



COMMISSIONERS. 

WENDELL WRIGHT, 
GEORGE H. KNIGHT, 
JOSEPH H. ATKINSON, 
LEVI D. INGALSBE. 

ADVISORY COUNSEL, 

Hon. henry L. ELLSWORTH, 

Former Commissioner cf Patents for the United States. 



TRUSTEES. 

JOHN P. FOOTE, 
JOHN C. VAUGHN, 
EDGAR M. GREGORY. 

TREASURER. 

WILLIAM BURNET. 

SECRETARY. 

L. D. INGALSBE. 

GENERAL AGENT. 

JOSEPH H. ATKINSON. 



CONSULTING EXAMINERS. 

Machinery. 
GEORGE SHIELD, 
THEODORE R.SCOWDEN. 

Agriculture. 
WILLIAM NEFF. 

Chemistry. 
CHARLES H. RAYMOND. 

Hydraulics. 
D. L. FARNAM. 

Mathematics. 
HORATIO N. ROBINSON. 



Office in the Melodeon, corner of Fourth and Walnut streets. 



ARTICLES OP ASSOCIATION, 

CONSTITUTION, AND BY-LAWS, 



OF THE 



ASS0CIATI02t FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE. 



Inasmuch as many valuable discoveries have been lost to 
mankind, from the insufficiency of means within the reach of 
the authors thereof, and from other causes; and even of 
many of those v^iich have involved years of toil and priva- 
tion to mature them, the originators themselves have failed 
to realize any adequate share of the benefits ; therefore, the 
following Constitution and Articles of Association, entered 
into by the several parties whose names are subscribed here- 
to, at the several dates conjoined with each name, witness: 

That they have associated, and do hereby associate and 
bind themselves as a company, for the development and ap- 
plication of useful inventions, and the advancement of the 
arts and sciences, by affording facilities for securing to in- 
ventors, and to all participators in the institution, their just 
rights; and they do hereby bind themselves to the following 
Constitution and fundamental Articles and Rules, for the 
government and powers of said Company, and the Officers 
thereof; that is to say : ^- 



CONSTITUTION. 



Art. L — appellation. 

Sec. 1. The name of this institution shall be "The Asso- 
ciation FOR Practical Science." 



6 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

Art. IL — capital STOCK. 

Sec. 1. The Capital Stock shall be defined in the By- 
Laws, and shaJl be held in shares of ten dollars each. 

Sec. 2. No stockholder shall be held liable beyond the 
amount of his stock. 

Sec. 3. Stock shall be transferable only on the books of 
the Association. 

Sec 4. After the first stock has all been issued, applicants 
not having stock shall be supplied with shares from the stock 
of those who possess more than one hundred shares, as pre- 
scribed in the by-laws, and on the following terms, namely : 
the amount paid up, together with a sum equal to the last 
year's dividend. 

Sec. 5. Until the whole capital stock is issued, any right 
or interest this Association may have in any patent or other 
property, over and above the amount paid up, shall be de- 
clared, and shall be dividends in stock. 

Sec. 6. After the whole of the capital stock is issued, said 
surplus right or interest shall not become stock or capital, 
but — except cash divisible as dividends — shall be joint prop- 
erty of the Association, for the uses of the same. 

Sec 7. After the whole capital stock is issued, all the 
clear profits in cash, from the operations of the Association, 
shall be declared, and shall be dividends on the stock paid. 

Sec 8. Whenever the dividend of the Association 
amounts to fifty per cent., the books of the Association shall 
be opened for subscription to the amount of ten thousand 
additional shares, but no one shall, on this subscription, sub- 
scribe for more than ten shares. 

Art. IIL — objects OF THE CAPITAL. 

Sec 1. To provide a suitable establishment to investi- 
gate and mature all new discoveries and inventions that 
may be offered by their authors, and adopted by this Asso- 
ciation. Such establishment shall consist of a complete 
experimental manufactory, with necessary appendages, as 
prescribed in the by-laws, and shall contain a secret depart- 
ment for the purpose of maturing inventions intended to be 
patented. 

Sec 2. To carry into successful operation, and dispose of 
the products of the Association. 



ASSOCIATION FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE. 7 

Sec. 3. To establish and carry on a system of instruction, 
connected with the institution, devoted to the promulgation 
of the laws and practice of mechanics, agriculture and 
science. 

Art. IV. — suffrage. 

Sec 1. Until fifty thousand shares are issued, each stock- 
holder shall be entitled to a vote for each share he holds, up 
to ten; after which no person shall have more than one vote. 

Sec. 2. An inventor whose plan is adopted, and is in 
possession of the Association, but w^ho is not a stockholder, 
shall have all the privileges of a ten-share stockholder, ex- 
cept the receipt of dividends. 

Sec 3. Absentees may vote by written certificate only, 
directed to the Secretary. 

Sec 4. Any one who shall make use of any fraudulent 
means of voting, shall forfeit all his interest and stock in the 
xA.ssociation. 

Sec 5. Stockholders who are so merely by transfer, shall 
have no vote until their names have been three months on 
the stock book of the Association. 

Art. v. — MEETINGS. 

Sec 1. After twenty thousand shares of stock have been 
subscribed, a majority of the voting members may at any 
time call a meeting, for the election of officers. 

Sec 2. A majority of the votes cast, to decide in all 
questions of this Association, except where otherwise provi- 
ded for. 

Art. VI.— elective OFFICERS. 

Sec 1. The elective officers shall consist of a Board of 
Directors, including the President and Secretary of the 
Association, and of Trustees, and a Treasurer. 

Art. VII. — limits. 

Sec 1 . The Directors shall not, either in their individual 
or collective capacity, involve the Association beyond the 
amount of capital paid in. 



8 constitution of the 

Art. VIIL — inventors. 

Sec. 1 . Any person whose invention is adopted by the 
Association shall be entitled to one-third of all the clear 
profits of his invention. 

Sec. 2. But allowances may be made in favor of inven- 
tions which are patented, practically tested, or brought into 
use ; and such may be the subject of special contract between 
the Association and inventor. 

Sec. 3. All operations relative to inventions shall be at 
the expense of the Association. 

Art. IX. — contracts. 

Sec. 1. All differences between members of this Associa- 
tion shall be settled by arbitration, as prescribed in the by- 
laws. 

Sec. 2. No one (except the mere purchaser of products,) 
shall transact business with this Association, who has not ob- 
ligated himself to abide by the laws and regulations of the 
same. 

Art. X.— LOCATION. 

Sec. 1. The main establishment of this Association shall 
be located either in the city of Cincinnati, or within one 
hundred miles thereof. 

Art. XL— provisional ARRANGEMENTS. 

Sec. 1. Until the meeting convened in accordance with 
Sec. L, Art. 5., of this Constitution, the business of the Asso- 
ciation shall be conducted, and certificates of stock signed 
by, and the responsibilities-of the Directors (including those 
of the President and Secretary,) vested jointly in three com- 
missioners, namely: — Wendell Wright, George H. Knight 
and Joseph H. Atldnson, all of Cincinnati, in the county of 
Hamilton, and State of Ohio, and such others as they, by a 
unanimous vote may appoint. 

Sec. 2. Until the meeting convened in accordance with 
Sec. 1., Art. 5., of this Constitution, the responsibilities of the 
Trustees, and those of the Treasurer, shall be vested in such 
persons as the Commissioners may appoint. 



mfi 



ASSOCIATION FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE. ' U 

Art. XIL — sub REGULATIONS. 

Sec 1. The Sub Regulations for carrying into effect this 
Constitution, shall be the province of the accompanying 
by-laws. 

Sec. 2. Any alteration or addition to the by-laws must 
be proposed at a meeting of the stockholders, at least three 
months before the one at which action is taken on it, and 
shall require a majority of the votes cast. 

Art. XIII. — charter. 

Sec. 1. A Legislative Charter may be adopted at a regu- 
lar meeting of the stockholders, public notice having been 
given at least three months previous. 

Art. XIV.— AMENDMENTS. 

Sec. 1. Any alteration or addition to this Constitution, 
must be proposed in writing at one annual meeting, and 
lie over for action to the next, and shall require a majority 
of two-thirds of the votes cast. 



10 AFFIDAVIT FORMS OP APPLICATION. 

STATE OF OHIO, ) „, 
City of Cincinnati, S 

Before me, Mayor of said city, personally appeared Wen- 
dell Wriglit, George H. Knight, Joseph H. Atkinson, and 
Levi D. Ingalsbe, who made oath to lieep secret all business 
confided to them as such, in connection witli the Association 
for Practical Science. 

WENDELL WRIGHT, 
GEORGE H. KNIGHT, 
J. H. ATKINSON, 
L. D. INGALSBE. 

^AA^ In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set 

•s{ j^ g > my hand, and affixed the corporate seal 

^ ' ' ^ of said city, this 14th day of April, 1847. 

'^rr^^^ jj. E. SPENCER, Ma?/or. 



FORM OF APPLICATION FOR INVENTORS. 

To the Directors of the Association for Practical Science : 

I hereby present, for your consideration, the accompanying 
plans of • (of which I am 

inventor,) subject to the laws and regulations of the said As- 
sociation, which I have seen and examined, and agree to 
abide by. A. B. 

Cincinnati, 184 



FORM OF APPLICATION FOR STOCK. 

I hereby request you to furnish me with shares 

of the Capital Stock of the Association for Practical Science, 
in conformity with, and subject to, the Constitution and By- 
Laws of the same, which I have seen and examined, and 
agree to abide by. A. B. 

Cincinnati, 184 

Address Box 13, Post Office, Cincinnati, Ohio. 



BY-LAWS, 



PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE 12, OF CONSTITUTION. 



Art. I. — STOCK. 

Sec. 1. Books shall be opened for the sale of stock, on 
and after the nineteenth day of April, 1847, to the amount 
of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars, in shares of Ten Dol- 
lars each. 

Sec. 2. Each subscriber shall pay in, at the time of pur- 
chase, two dollars and a half on each share subscribed for, 
and an equal sum at the expiration of six months, and the 
balance, on notice being given six months previous, by 
newspaper advertisement, in Cincinnati, Washington, New- 
York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, St. Louis, New Or- 
leans, Charleston, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Montreal, Ca., and 
such other cities as the Directors see fit. 

Sec. 3. Dividends shall be declared semi-annually on the 
stock paid up. 

Sec 4. All dividends on shares not paid up, shall be re- 
tained and placed to the credit of the said shares. 

Sec 5. The mode of proceeding by which an applicant 
is supplied with stock, under Sec. 3., Art. 2., in the Constitu- 
tion, shall be as follow^s: The Secretary, on receipt of appli- 
cation and payment, shall transfer to the applicant stock as 
provided in the section alluded to, place the paj'ment to the 
credit of the person levied on, and notify him of the same. 
The stock of the largest holder shall be the first liable, and 
of those who possess equal amounts, the last on the list. 
No more than ten shares shall be transferred to one person 
under this regulation. 

Sec 6. Any stockholder failing to pay up his instalments 
within ninety days after the time specified, shall forfeit his 
stock and all his interest in the Association. 



12 by-laws of the 

Art. IL — meetings. 

Sec. 1. After the meeting of stockholders, according to 
Sec. 1., Art. 5., of Constitution, a general meeting of the 
stockholders shall be held annually, on the first Monday in 
May, in the city of Cincinnati. 

Sec. 2. The members present shall form a quorum at all 
meetings of the Association, unless otherwise provided. 

Sec. 3. No member shall speak more than fifteen minutes 
at a time, and a member who has not spoken shall take pre- 
cedence of one who has. 

Sec 4. The proceedings of the meetings of this Associa- 
tion shall be conducted in accordance wdth the principles 
set forth in Jefferson's Manual, so far as applicable, except 
as herein otherwise provided for. 

Art. III. — elections. 

Sec 1. There shall be an election of officers at the annu- 
al meeting of the Association — the Trustees to serve during 
good behaviour, and the others for one year. 

Sec 2. Any vacancy may be filled at any meeting of the 
stockholders. 

Art. IV. — officers. 

Sec 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at 
all meetings of the Association, and, in case of a tie, to give 
the casting vote, and to countersign -certificates of stock, and 
all documents emanating from the Board of Directors. 

Sec 2. In the absence of the President, a Chairman shall 
be appointed to take his place. 

Sec 3. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to record the 
proceedings of all meetings, keep the books of the Associa- 
tion, sign certificates of stock, and all documents emanating 
from the Board of Directors, and make full reports, annually, 
quarterly, and when required, of all the proceedings thereof, 
to the Board of Directors and the stockholders, to whom his 
books must be accessible at all business hours. Any time af- 
ter the first meeting, according to Sec. 1., Art. 5., of the Con- 
stitution, it shall be the duty of the Secretary, at the request 
of any ten members, to call a meeting of the stockholders, 
and he shall cause such call to be published at least three 
times in two of the Cincinnati papers, during the week pre- 
ceding such meeting, and notice thereof served upon the 
members residing in the city and its vicinity. 



ASSOCIATION FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE. 13 

Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive 
and take charge of all the moneys of the Association, and 
pay all bills ordered by the Directors, signed by the Secretary 
and countersigned by the President, and to report, quarterly, 
annually, and when required, to the Boards of Trustees and 
Directors, and to the stockholders, to whom his books must 
be accessible at all business hours. 

Sec 5. The Board of Directors (seven of wdiom shall 
constitute a quorum,) shall consist of thirteen in number, in- 
cluding the President and Secretary of the Association, and 
it shall be their duty to take charge of and direct the busi- 
ness of the Association. They shall refer each application of 
inventors to a staff of confidential examiners, appointed by 
themselves. The directors shall appoint the General Agent, 
and all other necessary officers, not otherwise provided for. 

The General Agent may appoint agents. 

Any office becoming vacant may be filled by the Directors, 
until the ensuing meeting of stockholders. 

Subsequently to the meeting convened according to Sec. 1, 
Art. 5, of the Constitution, any officer or agent of this Asso- 
ciation may be suspended or removed from office by a vote 
of two-thirds of the Directors; and, before that period, by a 
unanimous vote of the Commissioners. 

The Directors shall report to the annual meeting, and 
oftener, if required. 

Sec. 6. The Trustees shall be three in number, and shall 
hold in trust, for the Association, all the property thereof; 
shall audit the accounts of the Treasurer, and report, annu- 
ally, and when required, to the Directors and stockholders. 

Sec. 7. All persons connected with the Secret Depart- 
ment, shall obligate themselves, by oath or affirmation, to 
keep secret all business confided to them as suchc 

Sec 8. Any officer of this Associa^tion, who shall neg- 
lect, during two months, the duties of his office, shall forfeit 
the same. 

Sec 9. The remuneration of the elective officers shall be 
determined by the stockholders, and that of all others in the 
employ of the Association shall be determined by the Board 
of Directors. 

Art. v.— ARBITRATION. 

Sec. 1. Either party shall choose one or more jurors, not 
exceeding three, who shall serve on the defendant or defen- 
dants, a written notice of their number and the time and 
place of meeting. 



14 BY-LAWS OF THE 

Sec. 2. And the second party, or defendant, shall appear at 
the time and place appointed, with the same number of 
jurors, who shall unite with the other jurors and proceed to 
examine the evidence and settle the difference. 

Sec. 3. But if either party shall fail to bring forward his 
complement of jurors, the juror or jurors present shall pro- 
ceed to supply the deficiency. 

Sec. 4. And if any juror shall fail to attend, his place 
shall be supplied by the juror or jurors present. 

Sec. 5. The jurors shall be at liberty to call to their assis- 
tance such persons as they may think proper, until a decision 
shall be made. 

Sec. 6. But either party being dissatisfied w^ith the decis- 
ion of the said jurors, may appeal therefrom to a second tri- 
bunal, chosen in the same manner as the first, the dissenti- 
ent making the first selection, not exceeding five. 

Sec. 7. The decision of the second tribunal may be ap- 
pealed from in like manner, neither party choosing more than 
seven, and the decision of the third tribunal shall be final. 

Sec. 8. All appeals must be made within ten da^'s of the 
decision. 

Sec. 9. The jmy shall, in all cases, except the parties dif- 
fering otherwise agree, make written judgment, signing their 
own names to the same, giving the statements of the wit- 
nesses in their own language, and any statement of either 
party that he may wish recorded. 

Sec. 10. The jurors shall cause to be prepared a copy of 
the judgment for each party in the suit. 

Sec. 11. Any party or parties in the suit may have the 
proceedings published, but shall not publish less than the 
whole, unless with the consent of all parties. 

Sec. 12. All jurors under these regulations shall be duly 
sworn or afiirmed, according to law, before proceeding in 
any case. 

Sec. 13. Reasonable notice, at the discretion of the jurors, 
shall be given in all cases. 

Art. VI.— EXPERIMENTAL ESTABLISHMENT. 

Sec. 1. The Experimental Establishment shall consist of 
shops, with conveniences ; such as tools, power machinery, 
and materials adapted to the manufacturing operations of 
the Association. 



ASSOCIATION FOR PRACTICAL SCIENCE. 16 

Sec. 2. A department devoted to Natural Science, inclu- 
ding a Chemical Establishment and an Experimental Farm. 

Sec. 3. A department of Fine Arts, including a Drafting 
department. 

Sec. 4. Model and Specimen Depositories, Libraries, 
Lecture rooms, Halls for exhibition of products, &c. 

Sec. 5. A certain portion of the establishment shall be 
set apart by the Directors for the confidential business of 
the Association, under the name of the Secret Department, 
which shall contain archives for the purpose of recording any 
ideas that may be suggested in accordance with the regula- 
tions herein provided. 

Art. VII.— plans. 

Sec. 1. The last hundred shares of stock on the first issue 
shall be set apart and appropriated for premiums to the pre- 
senters of the best plans for the operative establishment of 
this Association, on a maximum estimate of tv/o hundred 
thousand dollars. 

Sec. 2. The premiums shall be awarded in such a man- 
ner as the Association, in its collective capacity, may deter- 
mine. 

Art. VIIL — inventors. 

Sec. 1. The mode of proceeding by which an individual 
may negotiate with the Association, in the capacity of an 
inventor, shall be as follows : 

Sec. 2. The applicant shall present a written desci:iption 
of the subject of his invention, Avith his signature attached, 
and a duplicate of the same, to the General Agent, who 
shall sign both, and having returned one copy to the appli- 
cant, shall lay the other before the Board of Directors, who 
shall place in the hands of the Agent their decision, to be 
forwarded to the applicant. 

Sec. 3. The act of application by the inventor, shall con- 
stitute a right on the part of the Association to receive for 
consideration, and to adopt or decline the subject thereof. 

Sec 4. And if the subject of application by the inventor, 
be adopted, it shall be the right and duty of the Association 
to proceed, with the assistance of the inventor, to develope 
the same, and — if patentable — in due time to take out Let- 
ters Patent therefor, in the name of the inventor ; and said 
Association shall have the entire control over, and right 
to dispose of, the subject of the invention, and to two-thirds 



16 BY-LAWS, ETC. 

of the net proceeds thereof; and the inventor shall render 
such assistance as may be necessary for developing and pat- 
enting the invention. 

Sec. 5. Where the decision is to receive the subject of 
application for further examination, the applicant shall be 
furnished with such means as may be agreed upon, to devel- 
op e the same. 

Art. IX. — contracts. 

Sec. 1. After a machine is matured, the manufacturing 
shall be done by contract, unless three-fourths of the Direc- 
tors shall decide otherwise. 

Sec. 2. In any disposition of an interest in a patent, or 
any contract, the co-holder or co-holders shall have the pref- 
erence, at the same price. 

Art. X. — HONORS. 

Sec. 1. Medals and certificates of merit shall be offered 
by the Directors at each annual meeting, and awarded by a 
committee of stockholders, at the next. 

Art. XL— professorships. 

Sec 1. The Association shall institute Professorships in 
various branches of Science and Art. 

Sec 2. There shall be appointed at the annual meeting 
of stockholders a corps of scientific men, having authority 
to grant diplomas in the name of the Association. 

Art. XIL— publications. 
Sec 1. The annual report of the Directors shall be pub- 
lished, and a copy forwarded to the address of each stock- 
holder. 



At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Association for 
Practical Science, held in Cincinnati, on the 14th of April, 
1847, the following appointments were made, viz: 

LEVI D. INGALSBE, Commissioner and Secretary. 

JOHN P. FOOTE, JOHN C. VAUGHN, and EDGAR 

M. GREGORY, Trustees, 

WILLIAM BURNET, Treasurer. 

JOSEPH H. ATKINSON, General Agent. 

On behalf of the meeting, 

GEORGE H. KNIGHT, Secretary pro tern. 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



In the foregoing pages will be found the Constitution and By- 
Laws of an organisation for the encouragement of Inventors, the 
development and application of useful Inventions, and for the ad- 
vancement of the Arts and Sciences, which are so valuable in civ- 
ilising and humanising the family of man. It is believed to pos- 
sess peculiar claims upon your consideration, to which, for a short 
time, we will call your attention. 

This is a favourable period for the establishment of such an In- 
stitution. The power of ignorance and superstition, that bound 
the past, is, in a great measure, overcome, and the discoverer of an 
important principle, or the application of it, is no longer scorned 
as a foolish dreamer, or cast out as a servant of the Devil. Such 
has been the progress of Discovery and Invention, during the last 
half century, that mankind begin to have confidence in the capa- 
bility and power of the human mind. Enough from the world of 
Law and Order is revealed to man, to convince him of its boundless 
extent, and of the exhaustless infinitude of its objects, adequate 
to engage eternally the utmost faculties of man. Man has 
just obtained a glimpse of the Universe, and feels something of its 
magnitude and grandeur. This knowledge he has obtained by his 
own research and ingenuity, and the mind has been led into such 
an extended field, and has so expanded its conceptions, as to look 
no longer with doubt and distrust upon any revelation which the 
penetrating and almost prescient genius of man may claim to have 
made. Half a century back, such an Institution would have been 
almost useless, because there was not sufficient confidence in the 
capacity of man, and those who claimed to have made important 
discoveries could not find a listening ear, even among their inti- 
mate friends. There has also been an insurmountable prejudice 
against everything new, and olden things appeared so consecrated 
in the affections of the people, that the contact of the new seemed 
2 



18 PROPITIOUS TIME A CONTRAST. 

almost a desecration. Now, this prejudice is nearly overcome ; 
indeed, we may say quite vanquished, as to the world of Physics, 
although it is yet strong in relation to everything new drawn from 
the realm of Metaphysics. We say, then, in view of these con- 
siderations, that now is the propitious time for the successful estab- 
lishment of the Institution to which our attention is directed. Those 
in whose hands may be placed the interests of Inventors, on the 
one hand, and of the Public on the other, being men of liberal 
views and enlarged apprehension, will appreciate everything new 
that may be presented to their notice, and perceive its value in 
practice. There will, therefore, be no danger of losing a discovery, 
because its utility could not be made apparent, while many would 
be saved, and many more speedily brought into use, by the lib- 
eral assistance which indigent discoverers and inventors can at all 
times receive. 

Let us now, for a moment, glance at the field of Invention, which 
is but a manifestation of sientific principles, made subservient to 
practical good. Herein we learn much of the triumphs of mind. 
Man seems to have been created weak, that he might make himself 
strong. He seems to have commenced his career in a very hum- 
ble and apparently unpropitious attitude, but with a glorious destiny 
before him, and with capabilities of finally reaching its lofty ele- 
vation. Look at the world of Humanity. What is it now. Look 
at the past, by the light of history. How wonderful the contrast. 
How contrasts the present with the time when man roamed the 
earth, a wild and untamed savage ! How contrasts the present 
with the early dawn of civilisation, when human butchery was the 
universal trade, and few were found to seek the temj)le of Learn- 
ing, of Science, and of Philosophy! How contrasts the present 
with that period of Grecian greatness, when the pure and noble 
Socrates was brought into public contempt b}^ the power of ridi- 
cule, and sentenced by a boasted people to drink the faial hem- 
lock ! How contrasts the present with that period of Roman glory, 
when Sylla, to secure success in an election, was compelled to 
promise the people more magnificent shows of wild beasts, and 
actually let loose, in the circus, a hundred maned or male lions, 
and taught the people the Mauritanian method of baiting and fight- 



i 



CAUSE OF PROGRESS ART OF PRINTING. 19 

ing them ! IIow contrasts the present with a period of a few cen- 
turies back, when there was little learning, and that embodied in 
traditions, or manuscript books accessible only to the wealthy no- 
bility, and when the mass of the people lived in hovels without 
floors or chimnies, and reposed at night upon the straw-covered 
earth ! How contrasts the present with even the period, a hundred 
years ago, when nearly every branch of industry was conducted 
almost entirely by manual labor, unaided by machinery; when the 
comforts of life were within the reach of the wealthy alone; when 
the steamboat sailed not the ocean, the lake, or the river; and 
when commerce rarely sent her visiters to foreign parts! What 
has caused the astonishing difference ? We have no right to at- 
tribute it solely to any particular cause, for the causes are as various 
as are the enterprises and investigations which promote human ad- 
vancement. Yet, we can readily conceive that some causes have 
been, and continue to be, more powerful than others. And when 
we say that the products of the Inventive Genius have done more 
than any other, or even than many other causes combined, to de- 
velope and civilise the race, we shall not do injustice to any other 
agent of Progress. 

The ancients were distinguished by their Poetry, Painting, Sculp- 
ture, researches in Philosophy and Mathematics, and by their he- 
roic qualities in the tragedy of War. But, with all their acquisi- 
tions, they brought little before the mass of the people, to startle 
them into mental activity. With all their time-honoured acquire- 
ments, they did not attain that position of intellectual sagacity and 
moral excellency, which recognises and acknowledges the true re- 
lations of man to man; and hence, the mass of the people were 
ever in the most abject bondage and ignorance. 

To judge something of the effect which Inventions and Ma- 
chinery have had upon civilisation, turn to the Art of Printing, first 
discovered in the early part of the fifteenth century, a little more 
than four centuries ago. Previous to that event, books were writ- 
ten with the pen, and, consequently, but few could have access to 
them, and fewer still were rich enough to own them. This pro- 
digious Art has risen from extremely small beginnings. At first, 
it was confined to a kind of engraving — the figures and characters 



20 BLOCK-BOOKS. 

being cut in wood. The earliest specin>en now known, bears date 
1423. In a very few years from this, the Art was carried on to a 
more important object, — ^that of pi'oducing a book. To accomplish 
this, the letters were all cut upon a solid block of wood, and, con- 
sequently, were of no service after printing the book for which 
they were made. Several such books are now in existence, 
and are known as block-books. One of them is commonly called 
"Biblia Pauperum," the Bible of the Poor; though an ingenious 
writer has shown that this was not the original title of the book — it 
being designed rather for the use of preachers than the laily, as it 
appears to be "a series of skeleton sermons, ornamented with 
wood-cuts, to warm the preacher's imagination, and stored with 
texts, to assist his memory." This book consists of forty leaves 
of small folio, each of which contains a cut, with Scriptural ex- 
tracts, and other illustrative sentences. The second most remark- 
able of those block-books, is entitled "Speculum Salutis," the Mir- 
ror of Salvation. In this, the commentaries are more extensive 
than in the "Biblia Pauperum." In addition to these, wooden 
blocks were also used, to print small manuals of grammar, called 
Donatuses, which were used in schools. But the first great im- 
provement in this Art was soon made, being suggested by the use 
of carved blocks, for the multiplication of playing cards and devo- 
tional pictures. These pictures had short legends or texts attached 
to them, which were engraved in a solid piece, as well as the pic- 
ture. Now was brought to light the principle upon which this 
wonderful Art was to depend ; to wit : the manufacture of the let- 
ters separately, so that they might be re-arrangcd after the impres- 
sions were taken off, and be applied, without new cutting, to other 
texts and legends. It was thus easy to extend the principle from a 
few lines to a whole page, and fram one to many pages, so as to 
form a book. But the Art was attended with enormous expense, 
for the letters were separately cut. Accordingly, a third step was 
soon taken, and a mode of casting the types was invented. Tliis 
process was slow, also, because each letter was cast separately. 
The groat expense attending the practice of this Art, even in the 
third stage of its progress, is seen in the fact that 4,000 florins were 
expended before the third quaternion, or gathering of four sheets, 
was completed. 



THEPRESENT. 21 

To John Guitenbcrger, a citizen of Mentz, is ascribed the hon- 
our of inventing this great engine of civilisation — the Printing Art. 
In the difficuhies which he had to surmount, is seen the great value 
of such an Institution as the one we have in view. It is known, 
that in developing any new invention or discovery, vast amounts 
are frequently expended in experimenting, and it rarely happens 
that the Inventor is possessed of sufficient wealth to complete the 
manifestation of his conceptions. Many, after expending all their 
means, and involving themselves greatly in debt, have been forced 
to relinquish, with deep chagrin, their favourite object. Such liked 
to have been the case with Guttenberg; for, after expending al- 
most the whole of his property in the invention of his Art, he still 
found the difficulties in his way apparently insurmountable, and 
was about to abandon it altogether. Fancy the probable condition 
of the world at the present time, had he been compelled to adopt 
such an alternative ! Perhaps the Art would have still remained in 
the unlocked arcana of wonderful things. If so, man could not 
have reached his present high position. The rudeness of savagism 
must have hung upon all his operations. Where now is the tri- 
umph of mind, and the reign of Divine Goodness, animal ferocity 
and superstitious mockeries would prevail. Where now 

*'The slave stands forging from his chains 
The spade and plough," 

the crimson current would smoke on the battle-plain. Where now 

"Glad school girls, answering to the bell, 

Come crowned with flowers," 

the spectacle of bull-fights, tournaments, or single combats, would 
constitute the debasing amusement of the old and young. Where 
now temples, in which all can worship at their pleasure, send up 
their spires toward the heavens, to keep man in constant remem- 
brance that he must look upward to attain his destiny, the inquisi- 
tion, the rack, or the stake, might be found the sad monuments of 
human ignorance, superstition and barbarity. And where now the 
people live in the enjoyment of Republican liberty, and dictate the 



22 GUTTENBERG, SCHOSFFER, FAUST. 

laws that shall govern them, an imbecile king, or a foolish queen, 
might sway the sceptre over a degraded people, and heartless des- 
pots trample on the necks of their prostrate quarry. But no ; thanks 
to the moral and intellectual light that beams so brightly from the 
noble Art that sends upon every breese, 

"Tho'jghts that breathe, and words that burn." 

Old things have passed away before the majestic march of the new 
order, and while it is fast accomplishing the ruin of everything evil, it 
elevates whatever of good there has been, or may be, up to the better. 

But this Art, which has accomplished so much, had like to have 
perished in the struggles of its birth. While Guttenberg was 
about to sink beneath the burden of his discovery, John Faust, in 
the spirit that characterises our projected Institution, came to his re- 
lief, and the rescue of his Art. By their united efforts, the con- 
templated improvements were perfected. Peter Schoeffer, a ser- 
vant of Faust, invented a method of casting types, with which his 
master was so much pleased, that he gave him his daughter Chris- 
tina in marriage. These three kept the Art concealed by an oath 
of secresy, imposed upon all whom they intrusted, until the year 
1461, when, by the dispersion of their servants into different coun- 
tries, at the sacking of Mentz by the Archbishop Adolphus, the inven- 
tion was publicly divulged. Whether it was kept a secret from 
selfish motives, or through fear of the superstition of the people, it 
is difficult to determine. 

What is now the condition of the Printing Art, and what has it 
not accomplished ? The time has been even in the memory of our 
young men, when the practice of the Art was comparatively slow, 
and exceedingly laborious. A few years ago, a Pressman 
could only throw off about 180 sheets per hour, with the severest 
labour. Now, to the honour of Inventive Genius, be it said, from 
12,000 to 15,000 sheets can be printed in the same time, with the 
greatest ease to all engaged! Half a century ago, there were 
about 100 serial publications in the land; now there are about 
1500, bearing their daily, weekly and monthly messages to the peo- 
ple of every city, village, township and hamlet in the nation, — 
messages of Science, Philosophy, Thought and Feeling, to awaken 
the whole minrl of the Republic, and raise it nearer to the True, the 



APICTURE. 23 

Good, and the Great. Three centuries since, few books besides the 
Bible, and its commentaries, were issued from the Press; now it 
produces hundreds every month, embodying the gleanings of the 
mind from every department of human research. It brings within 
the reach of every mind the most ample material for its full devel- 
opment, and, by its aid, the race has fairly commenced the bright 
career of its progress. Tyrants have been made to bow to the 
majesty of the people, and each one begins to feel that he is him- 
self a man! By its aid, all can profit by the counsel of the wisest, 
and the best hearts can communicate the spirit of their holy pulsa- 
tions to every heart of the world of Humanity, and thus call into 
active manifestation that which is divine in our nature. 

But we must not dwell here. Go with me to that delightful emi- 
nence that overlooks La Belle Riviere. Glancing up and down, we 
behold the most charming scenery that ever poet's or painter's fancy 
conceived. Could we roll back the tide of Time only three quar- 
ters of a century, we might behold the bear, the wolf, and the deer, 
coming from their deep, dark forest retreats, to slake their thirst from 
the freely-flowing waters. Or we might hear the fierce Indian war- 
whoop, over the hills on either side. Louder and more terrific be- 
come their battle yells, as they approach the shore. They are two 
hostile tribes. Anon the canoes are unmoored and pushed out on 
the peaceful tide, filled with stalwart warriors panting for victory. 
As they approach, vollies of feathered deaths are sprung for the 
victims, and many a hero makes the wave his winding sheet. 
Now the hostile barks meet and mingle. Rapidly they brandish 
the battle axe, and thickly fall the foemen, whose flowing life crim- 
sons the chrystal current. The sun is sinking in the West; but still 
the battle rages. At length the shout of victory is heard, and the 
conquerors retire to their fires to dance a horrid glee, while the vic- 
tims silently and sullenly endure the pains inflicted by their tor- 
turers. Now turn we to the present, and what is the scene pre- 
sented to our view ? Not of wild beasts, for civilisation has de- 
molished their lairs ; not of brutal men engaged in deadly conflict, 
for they have receded before the white man's tread, and the falling 
of the forest at the woodman's stroke. Dismal howls and frantic 
yells no longer startle the hearer ; but, instead thereof, the cheer- 



24 GRAVEOFJOHNFITCH. 

ing "Song of Steam" is heard playing one of the most eloquent 
marches for the " eternal step of Progress." Instead of the frail 
canoe, the steamboat, giant of the deep, ploughs her rapid course,' 
laden with the products of every clime. Our mighty lakes and riv- 
ers are thronged with these floating palaces, which distribute 
throughout this vast valley, teeming with a happy people, the pro- 
ducts of our foreign brethren, and, in exchange, carry away her 
millions of wheat and corn. Look; but a short distance from 
where we stand, on yonder hill, can be seen the demolished grave 
of him whose Inventive Genius did so much to produce the mar- 
velous change we have beheld. He taught the world how to com- 
mand this powerful element, and make it the moving spirit of nav- 
igation. To make the grand discovery, he toiled amid the jeers of 
mocking friends, unaided by those of abundant means, until his own 
purse was drained, his energy exhausted, and his beggary com- 
pleted. Though he was thus unable to bring the invention to such a 
perfection as to convince his doubting and jeering fellows, yet he 
comprehended the whole, and looked forward with prophetic vision 
to the glorious triumph of the power of steam, which ditinguishes 
the present. To some of his friends, these were his prophetic 
words : " Well, gentlemen, although I shall not live to see the time, 
you will, when steamboats will be preferred to all other means of 
conveyance, and especially for passengers; and they will be partic- 
ularly useful in the navigation of the river Mississippi." He then 
retired, when a person present observed, in a tone of deep sympa- 
thy, "Poor fellow! what a pity he is crazy!" This was but a 
short time previous to his death, in 1796. He was buried on yon- 
der hill, in accordance with his wish, "where the song of the boat- 
men would enliven the stillness of his resting place, and the music 
of the steam engine soothe his spirit! " Had Fitch met with such 
encouragement as this Institution will be able to afford, he could 
have perfected his plans, and we should be now, at least, a quarter 
of a century ahead of our present position. As early as 1786, he 
conceived the steamboat, but the first one was not launched in the 
Ohio until 1811, fifteen years after his death. As late as 1794, 
four keel-boats, each of twenty tons, and occupying one month in 
going and returning, performed all the carrying trade between Pitts- 



PROGRESS OF IMPROVEMENT. 25 

burgh and Cincinnati. These were so constructed as to be safe 
against rifle or musket balls, and with port-holes for firing out at 
the insidious Indian, or daring robber. What have we now in the 
space of thirty-six years ? We have 750 steamboats on our west- 
ern rivers, and the commerce of our lakes and rivers is estimated 
at the annual value of not less than $300,000,000 ! Such is a par- 
tial view of the influence of Inventions and Discoveries on civilisa- 
tion. Is not, then, the enterprise of fostering and encouraging the 
Inventive Genius of the world, a noble one 1 It is doing more 
than all other powers combined, to work out the great problem of 
Human Progress, and the more it is aided in its efforts, the sooner 
will the solution be gained. 

Look, too, at another branch of improvement, which has grown 
out of the same invention, — the Railroads that comparatively anni- 
hilate time and space. It is but a few years since the first track 
was laid; now we have 5,091 miles of Railroad — more than all 
Europe and England. In England, the first locomotive traveled at 
the rate of six miles per hour. In 1829, they gained a speed of 
fifteen miles per hour; in 1834, twenty miles; in 1839, thirtj^-seven 
miles ; and now locomotives are running forty-two miles per hour. 
In 1763, it required nearly a month to transmit a letter from De- 
troit to New York; now it can be done in three days. Such is 
progress under the touch of Genius. Shall it be fostered ? W^hether 
she find her abode in princely halls, or in the hovels of the poor, 
shall she not meet a liberal hand of encouragement, that her efforts 
may ever tell in the cause of human improvement 1 The race is 
far from that high position which might be occupied, had all inge- 
nious persons been able to employ their Inventive powers. Many 
brilliant conceptions have been lost to the world, because of poverty 
and neglect, and many more will be, or, at least, delayed in their 
manifestation for the good of man, unless an Institution of similar 
character to the one before us, shall be established, to encourage 
Inventors and Discoverers. Though so much has been done, yet 
think not that the whole field has been explored. We have no right 
to limit the range of Nature, for she is infinite; neither are we au- 
thorised to set bounds to the researches and discoveries of the hu- 
man mind, because we know of no limit fixed to its development. 



26 MISSION OF INVENTION. 

It has accomplished enough within the past few years to convince 
all of its almost boundless capabilities. From what has been 
achieved, we have no right to say what may not be accomplished. 
Here we might pause a moment, to inquire into the Mission of 
Mechanical Invention. Much has already been hinted, but the va- 
rious points of the subject might be embodied here. 

1. It is to carry forward the improvement of civilisation. In- 
vention of machinery began on a large scale, in 1791, and behold, 
how rapid has been the advancement of man in every department 
of human enterprise ! But enough has been said on this point. 

2. Its mission is to enable the people to enjoy all the conve- 
niences of life, as well as those things which are tasteful, and, at 
the same time, to so mitigate and diminish his labour, that he will 
not be forced to endure an oppressive amount of toil, and, also, to 
give abundant leisure for mental cultivation and gratification. The 
spirit of mind has gone forth to call the people to judgment. An 
enthusiasm for mental development is being enkindled, which will 
not die till all shall be enabled to procure enough of the means of 
livelihood, without sacrificing the noblest portion of their being. The 
incubus of servile toil, the doom of unremitting labour, must be re- 
moved. How shall this be done ? is the great question. Were all 
men to labour with their own hands incessantly, they would be 
able, without mechanical power, to supply but a small portion of 
their wants. The working classes of Great Britain, by the aid of 
machinery, perform the labour of 300,000,000 of men. How, 
then, shall all receive the benefit of mechanical improvements? 
Before this question can be solved, there must be further develop- 
ment of the common mind. To this important end, do the Inven- 
tions and Discoveries that have been, and are being made, greatly 
contribute. They appeal to the mind understandingly, and startle 
its powers into activity. What is the language spoken by that 
flight of cars through plains, valleys, meads and forests ? It comes 
to every ear with the thundering message that the mind has power, 
and every one posesses that, whose cultivation would ennoble his 
character. What is the sermon preached by that simple wire that 
unites city to city, throughout the Republic, enabling the people of 
distant places to hold familiar conversation ? It is but another rev- 



COMMON BROTHERHOOD. 27 

elation of the might of mind. It is another messenger from the 
Eternal God, telling all mankind that they can rise toward Him in 
greatness, and be like the Perfect One ! Thus, is the general mind 
cited to improvement, which, when it shall be adequately attained, will 
enable it to command the mechanical power of the world, and 
throw the heavy loads now weighing the people down, upon iron 
bones that never tire, and insensible muscles that know no weari- 
ness, nor waste away by excessive use. This is the mission of In- 
vention — to devise machines for performing the labour of the world, 
and supplying the wants of all mankind by a merely pleasurable 
toil. To accomplish this, much is yet to be produced by Inventive 
Genius, and the more it is fostered, the more rapidly will it fulfill 
its mission. Much is said by some, of the questionable utility of 
machinery to the labouring classes ; but we say that Invention and 
Discovery are the legitimate pursuits of mind, and whatever may 
be their present effect upon the masses, we are certain they will 
gradually bring man to a truer state, and ultimately work out the 
great problem now before the world. 

3. But the Inventive Genius has a still nobler mission to fulfill ; 
being nothing less than uniting the human family in the embrace 
of one common brotherhood. Already has it done much to con- 
solidate the nations. Steam has brought distant continents into 
one neighbourhood ; Railroads are blending into one the people of 
all portions of the same continent, overleaping the boundaries of 
Kingdoms and States, and constituting the connected arteries through 
which flows a common life-current, warming, actuating and har- 
monising those who have heretofore hated each other, and never 
hoped to meet, except in the deadly conflict. The Magnetic Tel- 
egraph, too, bears, in an instant, the cordial salutation from one 
friend to another far distant, and has but just begun its great work 
of affixing a common family seal to the affections of the people, in 
every part of the continent. To Inventive Genius, Commerce 
owes her present dignity and glory; and what is not Commerce 
doing to bring together the whole family of man? Her sails fill 
every sea, and salute every people. The most exclusive and un- 
social of mankind have been compelled to return the salutation, 
and meet the rest of their fellow men in commercial relations. In 



28 INVENTIVE GENIUS INSPIRES HOPE. 

the footsteps of Commerce, follows the light of Science and Liter- 
ature, and barbarous nations are pointed to a higher state of exist- 
ence. Glorious mission of Inventive Genius ! Speed on thy beau- 
tiful career, and consummate the alliance of all nations and tongues! 
At thy bidding, war has already bowed his horrid head, and the 
sweet spirit of peace is folding, in her gentle embrace, the hearts 
of all mankind. "Lands intersected by a narrow frith," no longer 
"abhor each other;" "mountains interposed," no longer "make 
enemies of nations;" but all are blending together into one, and 
the glad song of peace, harmony, and hE4)piness, is filling the earth 
with its soul-refining strains, 

4. Inventive Genius reveals to man the magnitude of his na- 
ture, and inspires him with hope. Where there is little hope, there 
is little advancement. Man must look upward to the Higher, desire 
its attainment, and confidently expect to reach it, else he will not 
be incited to adequate energy in self-improvement. The most 
hopeful are always the most active. They look to that, the reali- 
sation of which will amply reward every struggle and every sacri- 
fice that can be made. 

"With thee, sweet hope ! resides, the heavenly light 
That pours remotest rapture on the sight : 
Thine is the charm of hfe's bewildered way, 
That calls each slumbering passion into play," 

Disappointment may attend our favourite schemes ; failure may be 
the issue of many plans carefully conceived and cautiously adop- 
ted; adversity may meet us at every step, and lower over our heads 
in dismal gloom; still, the star of hope, beautiful and bright, beams 
enchantingly over all, and, like a guardian angel, sustains and ani- 
mates under discouragement, those who are moved by her inspira- 
tion. She sits above all the ruins of time, smiling consolation over 
the toils, wars and misfortunes of mankind, and invites the stricken 
sons of humanity upward and onward to the beauties and blessings 
that are in store for all who are earnest in their laudable efforts, 
and vigilant in well-doing. 



ASTRONOMY THE COTTON GIN. 29 

<'Hope! when I mourn, with sympathising mind, 
The wrongs of fate, the woes of human kind, 
Thy blissful omens bid my spirit see 
The boundless fields of rapture yet to be. 
I watch the wheels of nature's mazy plan, 
And learn the future, by the past, of man." 



What is there in the "past of man," by which we can "learn the 
future"? What achievements has the might of human genius 
wrought, that constitute the foundation of uplifting hope ? Where 
shall we find the evidences of his greatness, the testimony of his 
capability for attaining the highest position that can be conceived 
by the most hopeful? Where, but in the revelations made by his 
powers of Invention and Discovery? Go out upon that beautiful 
lawn, on some star-bright evening, when the stillness of the night, 
and the pictured glory of the heavens invite the mind to medita- 
tion. What is the first reflection that crowds upon the attention ? 
Is it not the inestimable vastness of the Universe, the inappreciable 
grandeur of Creation ? But how have the heavens been " enrolled 
as a scroll" to our view, and our acquaintance introduced to each 
particular orb that wheels at a distance beyond the conceptions of 
man? What but the wonderful mind could tread the ethereal 
fields, and survey the world ! Discovery, in conjunction with her 
indispensable handmaid. Invention, has resolved the wild conjec- 
tures of the ignorant beholder into certain knowledge, and thereby 
opened an inexhaustible source of human enjo3aTiient. Without 
the application of scientific principles to practical purposes, which 
Invention has made, we should still see nothing in the heavens but 
heroes and animals, with which the imagination of the ignorant had 
peopled the skies. 

Observe the stride of improvement, during the last half century, 
through every branch of practical life. When the sunny South, 
where the cotton plant whitens the field with its soft and downy 
fibre, was growing sterile, and rich fields were being abandoned, 
because the product could not be converted to profitable use, the In- 
ventive Genius of Whitney brought out the Cotton Gin, and straight- 
way the hearts of men leaped for joy, the plains were covered 
with virgin whiteness, and peace and plenty responded to the charm- 



so INGRATITUDE TO INVENTORS. 

ing pleasantness of nature. And what is most astonishing in this 
case, is, that little gratitude was manifested to the inventor of that 
curious machine, which awoke a slumbering and discouraged peo- 
ple, as it were, by enchantment. More contracts entered into with 
him, were violated, than were fulfilled. Such was the concert 
among those who used this invention, that Whitney found it ex- 
ceedingly difficult to prove, in a Court of Justice, that a single one 
was in use, although the clattering of half a dozen could be heard 
from the door-steps of the Court House. He had incurred immense 
debts in its production, and yet the people were unwilling to aid 
him in his necessities, occasioned in constructing that which was a 
fortune in every owner's hands. Here, then, we see the importance 
of such an Institution as we have organised, in furnishing relief 
and encouragement to Inventors. 

The Spinning Jenny followed in the footsteps of the Cotton Gin, 
and, with her myriads of iron fingers, twists with lightning speed 
the woof and warp. Who, on passing through one of our mam- 
moth manufactories, does not see and feel much that elevates the 
race in his estimation ? How astonishing the amount of production 
by comparatively trifling labour! 

Improvement has seized hold of everything within the reach of 
man. He has most thoroughly impressed himself upon the whole 
earth, and every year that passes, reveals more and more of his 
independent greatness. 

Have we not, then, a good authority for the largest hope thai 
can animate our spirits, and incite us to activity? The Telegraphs, 
Railroads, Steamboats, and the ten thousand other manifestations 
of the Inventive Genius, are sufficient to destroy the skepticism of 
man, with regard to the capabilities of the Race. There is no lon- 
ger reason for want of faith in the human mind. It has proved its 
greatness by its achievements. It has demonstrated the capability 
of its powers for infinite expansion, and the boundlessness of Na- 
ture's resources for its improvement. But, though it has accom- 
plished so much, it is still in the infancy of its development. 

"How distant is the human mind from the perfection to which it may attain — 
from the perftiction for which it was created ! How incapable are we of grasping 
the whole future destiny of man! Let any one even descend into his own 



BENEVOLENCE PROFITS OF THE INSTITUTION. 31 

mind — let him picture there the highest point of perfection to which man, to 
which society may attain, that he can conceive, that he can hope ; — let him then 
contrast this picture with the present state of the world, and he will feel assured 
that society and civilis.ition are still in their childhood : that, however great th« 
distance they have advanced, that which they have before them is incomparably, 
is infinitely greater." * 

But to conclude. What I have said, would seem to place the 
Association for Practical Science upon the benevolence of the peo- 
ple for its support. Benevolence is an ample foundation for any 
Institution which promises so largely for the public good, and seems 
to hold so important a place among the multiplied means for human 
advancement. By its encouragement, all, whether high or low, rich 
or poor, who have Inventive talent, will be incited to employ it in 
making further application of Science to the practical purposes of 
life. Now, unaided and single-handed, many are unable to mani- 
fest their powers, to embody their conceptions in a manner to be 
appreciated and rendered serviceable in promoting human good. 
This Institution will furnish every facility for the production of im- 
provements. To it, all can resort for aid, and find at command all 
the power they need. Thus, by calling more Inventive talent into 
activity, this Association will be. a powerful engine in the cause of 
Progress. As Inventions, more than anything else, distinguish the 
age, and characterise the civilisation of the nineteenth century, the 
importance of facilitating their production is apparent to all. 

But this Institution does not appeal solely to the benevolence and 
advancing spirit of the people. As every truly noble enterprise 
should do, it promises to sustain itself; yea, more — to be a source 
of great pecuniary profit to all who contribute to its establishment. 
Immense sums have been realised by speculators, who have taken 
advantage of the necessities of Inventors, and obtained rights for a 
trifle. While the ingenious have pined in want, wealthy business men 
have doubled and tripled their fortunes by the inventions their authors 
were unable to perfect. This Institution, while it will secure justice 
to the talented, will itself profit largely by the aid it renders them, 
and instead of one or two commanding all the pecuniary advanta- 
ges of new improvements, they will be enjoyed by many. Its 

* Guizot's History of Civilisation. 



32 SPECULATION AND PROGRESS. 

terms of assistance will be fixed, and those who seek its aid, 
will not, as now, be at the mercy of the selfish. Thus, investments 
in this enterprise cannot be otherwise than profitable. This can be 
appreciated, by every one who has observed the revolutions wrought, 
as it were, by enchantment, in the various branches of business, in 
consequence of improvements which are the offspring of Invention. 
But we will not thus appeal to the money-making spirit of the peo- 
ple. An inducement infinitely higher is held out — one that is pure, 
and appeals to our philanthropic sentiments. Pecuniary specula- 
tion is a trifle with those whose virtuous souls are quickened into 
life by every opportunity to advance the Race. 

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Conservation Resources 
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